The Bionic Ear Institute was established in 1984 by Professor Graeme Clark to support and undertake research to improve the Australian Bionic Ear (Cochlear Implant) which was pioneered by Professor Graeme Clark and his team in the 1970 s and now provides hearing to over 20, 000 profoundly or totally deaf adults and children.

The Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne, undertakes research to improve hearing and communication for children and adults who suffer from hearing loss. The Australian Bionic Ear (Cochlear Implant) was developed as a result of this research and now provides hearing to over 20, 000 completely or profoundly deaf adults and children in 55 countries.